The film, The Green Berets, was released at the height of American involvement in the Vietnam War, the same year (1968) as the Tet offensive against the largest cities in South Vietnam. John Wayne, who starred in and directed the film, was concerned about the anti-war atmosphere in the United States. He wanted to make this film to present the pro-military position. He requested and obtained full military co-operation and materiel from President Johnson at the time.

Wayne spoke to many experts about the Vietnam War; they made a very convincing case of America's importance in Southeast Asia. So, he felt morally compelled to take a stand, creating The Green Berets as his platform. He knew his position would be unpopular (over 50% of Americans opposed the War, when the film was released). Notwithstanding the opposition to the war, Wayne believed he was right, and felt honor-bound to speak out.

The film's 1968 release received very poor box office reviews. But, it went on to be a commercial success, which Wayne attributed in part to the negative reviews from the press. He saw the film's ticket success as representing criticism over the war rather than criticism over the film. The Green Berets earned movie rentals of $8.7 million in North America during 1968.

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